Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa noticed that the nobles and officials of Orivenia seemed unaware of Nerathia's intention to intervene in the negotiations.

Their faces betrayed confusion, but after a moment, they revealed expressions of joy and confidence. It seemed they also believed that Nerathia's involvement would provide Orivenia with solid backing.

Seeing this, Carissa felt a slight sense of reassurance. If that were really the case, Lisandra would have informed them beforehand. Or at least, she would have let the negotiating officials know.

But why hadn't she?

It seemed there was only one explanation. Lisandra was also hoping for mutual concessions. Few at court supported her, so she had brought in Faelan from Nerathia―someone whom everyone would trust.

This made sense of the conversation from the previous night, when Lisandra had invited Carissa and Violet to the palace. The remarks about unmet wishes were clear now. The example of the women taking part in the civil service examinations was just that, an example.

What Lisandra had truly wanted to say was that many decisions were difficult to implement.

thinking this through, Carissa felt more

meal, they hadn't voiced many opinions, engaging in only light conversation. As they departed, the

the same discussion as before. If they were to make further concessions, they would

had already set a limit on how far they could yield. Any further compromise would make it difficult

the map, each of them silently weighing the

taken up residence at an inn in the capital, as per their request. Liam had secured the entire building for them, and at any time, they could simply

them was a map, one that differed from the maps of the two other kingdoms.

his finger. "This mountain range here divides the two kingdoms' border cities. It's

it as theirs, as

of their land, though Orivenia took over it later and has governed it for many years. Now, Starhaven wants to reclaim it through negotiation, but Orivenia will never agree to that.

impossible

that both sides are willing to sit down and talk means they're open to concessions.